Offensive line paves the way for Eagles

The Eagles offensive line, like the rest of the team, set the tone early in Sunday's 27-0 win over the New York Giants. The line opened big holes for the running game and, for the most part, kept the pressure off quarterback Nick Foles.

And considering the way their counterparts on the Giants offensive line were overmatched, it made the Eagles blockers look like a group of all-pros.

While Giants quarterback Eli Manning was on the run all evening, Foles had plenty of time. New York quarterbacks were sacked eight times, including six of Manning, while Foles was sacked just once for 3 yards.

The Eagles rushed for 203 yards (5.6 average), including 149 by LeSean McCoy, while Foles threw for 248 yards and two touchdowns.

Even with starting center Jason Kelce and guard Evan Mathis out with injuries, the line enjoyed a stellar performance, especially in a dominant first half after which the Eagles led, 20-0.

Center David Molk and left guard Matt Tobin are replacing Kelce and Mathis and appear to be settling in. This was the third start for both this season.

"I felt I didn't play the greatest last week and wanted to play well, and I felt I did that," Tobin said. "I still have a lot of things to get better at."

The Eagles were especially effective running to the outside.

"We kind of spread them out a bit and ran a little more to the edge, which helped us drastically," Molk said.

Left tackle Jason Peters remains among the best in the NFL at his position. One example of his brilliance was a key block during Darren Sproles' 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Peters got enough of linebacker Jon Beason on a sweep to clear the way.

Right guard Todd Herremans remains consistent.

The biggest recent difference, however, has been the return of 6-foot-6, 317-pound right tackle Lane Johnson. This was his second game back after his four-game NFL suspension for a positive test for a performance-enhancing drug.

"Last week was nerve-racking because I hadn't been on the field for a while, but I felt good tonight," Johnson said. "This is probably the best game I have played so far as a pro."

On Foles' 15-yard touchdown pass to Zach Ertz, Johnson gave his quarterback the extra time he needed by holding off the rush of Mathias Kiwanuka.

When the running game is working, it opens things up for the passing game. That was evident on Foles' 26-yard touchdown pass to James Casey. Foles rolled out and had plenty of time to find the wide-open Casey.

@sjnard